Common Cause Urges Shutdown of White House-Related Nonprofit

Political-finance watchdog Common Cause called on President Obama Tuesday to urge his supporters to disband a new advocacy organization launched to support his agenda, saying the organization will deepen a "pay-to-play" culture in Washington, according to Politico and The Wall Street Journal.

The statement from Bob Edgar, Common Cause's president, cited reports that $500,000-plus donors to Organizing for Action, the new 501(c)(4) group, will earn regular meetings with Mr. Obama. "Access to the president should never be for sale," Mr. Edgar said.

Organizing for Action denied that it is arranging presidential meetings for a price. "Supporters have shown interest in taking a part in OFA because they believe in the president’s agenda,” said Katie Hogan, a spokeswoman for the group. "No one has been promised access to the president."